Cruise the Baltic Sea, explore rural coastlines, and sip local ales in seaside villages exclusively accessible to small yachts. Visit Hamburg venues where the Beatles refined their musical chops, then sample your way through regional German dishes during a progressive dinner and overnight stopover. Stroll Lübeck’s Medieval walls, small shops, and narrow cobbled lanes. Venture inland from Vismar to the heights of former East German Alexanderplatz Fernsehturm (TV tower) overlooking Berlin’s neon and red tiled rooftops. Board a steam train bound for the former resorts on Rügen, an impressive and imposing holiday retreat. Take a spin on a classic amusement ride and dine on Danish chocolates at Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks, during an overnight visit. Admire Empress Catherine’s art treasures during a visit to St. Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum and Russia’s largest art collection during an overnight port stay. Complete your journey with modern Nordic capitols and the quaint village of Mariehamn.

Amsterdam, the Venice of the North, where more than 1,500 bridges arch gracefully over scenic canals. The stately 17^th century homes of Dutch merchants line the canals and museums are everywhere, filled with masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age. Most of the sightseeing essentials are conveniently collected in the Canal Ring, the central area of the city which is designated as a UNESCO site. Here you’ll find the Anne Frank House, the Royal Palace, the Red Light District, and most of the museums. Mind all the bicycles!

Amsterdam, the Venice of the North, where more than 1,500 bridges arch gracefully over scenic canals. The stately 17^th century homes of Dutch merchants line the canals and museums are everywhere, filled with masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age. Most of the sightseeing essentials are conveniently collected in the Canal Ring, the central area of the city which is designated as a UNESCO site. Here you’ll find the Anne Frank House, the Royal Palace, the Red Light District, and most of the museums. Mind all the bicycles!

This historic harbor town has a long history of fishing and shipping, and is filled with old canals, well-preserved merchants’ houses, and 17^th century warehouses. Wander through town to the 18^th century City Hall and wait for the next hour or half hour when the carillon will chime its pretty melody, or enjoy a pleasurable scavenger hunt as you search for gable stones. These carved and often painted stone tablets were set into the walls of buildings in olden times to help people navigate the streets before the advent of house numbers. Many give you clues to the building’s former purpose.

Bridges arch over tranquil canals – more than you’ll find in Venice. The spires of historic churches and the lovely Rathaus pierce the sky. It’s hard to know where to begin your day. Stroll the Museum Mile for a lesson in history. Venture to Reeperbahn (the Red Light District) to see where the Beatles got their start. Or just shop along the “Mo” (Monckebergstrasse), Hamburg’s version of Fifth Avenue.

Bridges arch over tranquil canals – more than you’ll find in Venice. The spires of historic churches and the lovely Rathaus pierce the sky. It’s hard to know where to begin your day. Stroll the Museum Mile for a lesson in history. Venture to Reeperbahn (the Red Light District) to see where the Beatles got their start. Or just shop along the “Mo” (Monckebergstrasse), Hamburg’s version of Fifth Avenue.

The busiest artificial waterway in the world, busier than the Panama Canal and the Suez Canal combined, this 61-mile-long canal saves a 250-mile detour.

This seaside resort has been called the German St. Tropez, and was where the beautiful people of the Belle Epoque retreated to restore their creative juices. You’ll find it restorative too, whether you choose to wander the medieval streets of Lubeck, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or try your hand at making marzipan.

Walking into the heart of Old Wismar feels like stepping into Germany’s past. The medieval town was a major trading center of the Hanseatic League, an association that blessed it with endless gabled red brick buildings, Gothic churches, and a UNESCO designation. The buildings lining the Marktplatz give you a generous helping of this eye candy. Or spend the day in Berlin, where landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, and Checkpoint Charlie lead you through Germany’s past.

Few people outside of Germany know about this Baltic jewel with its sandy beaches dotted with Stranskorbs (beach baskets) and elegant seaside walkway. The island was the preferred playground of the German elite during the late 1800s and its iconic Belle époch architecture will charm you, but there’s lots more to recommend this secretive seaside resort. Binz is conveniently close to Jasmund National Park with its dramatic white chalk cliffs, as well as a U-boat museum. Climb the spiraling walkway at the Rügen Natural Heritage Center, circling around a soaring birch tree until you reach the viewing tower at the top. Or take the narrow gauge steam train to Jagdschloss Granitz, a dusty pink neo-Gothic hunting lodge/castle built in the 1830s.

This historic city of palaces, canals, and copper spires casts a sense of enchantment upon all who walk its cobbled streets. Little wonder that Copenhagen’s favorite son, Hans Christian Andersen, was inspired to write some of the world’s most beloved fairy tales here. Stroll the 17^th century Nyhavn waterfront where Andersen once lived, complete with colorful row houses and historic tall ships. Enjoy world-class shopping on Strøget, the world's longest pedestrian street. Or find your amusement at world-famous Tivoli Gardens where tree-lined pathways lead to theaters, open air stages, restaurants, cafes, and over 80 attractions.

This historic city of palaces, canals, and copper spires casts a sense of enchantment upon all who walk its cobbled streets. Little wonder that Copenhagen’s favorite son, Hans Christian Andersen, was inspired to write some of the world’s most beloved fairy tales here. Stroll the 17^th century Nyhavn waterfront where Andersen once lived, complete with colorful row houses and historic tall ships. Enjoy world-class shopping on Strøget, the world's longest pedestrian street. Or find your amusement at world-famous Tivoli Gardens where tree-lined pathways lead to theaters, open air stages, restaurants, cafes, and over 80 attractions.

The spires of 14th century churches soar above fashion-forward cafés, restaurants, and shops within the stone walls of Tallinn. Medieval Old Town is the well-preserved – and thriving – center of town, where you’ll find impressive guild houses, St. Olav’s Church, and other architectural treasures. Beyond Old Town lies Peter the Great’s Baroque masterpiece, Kadriorg Palace – and sunny Pirita beach.

Anticipation grows as you approach Peter the Great’s magnificent city, golden domes glistening under the magical “White Nights” of summer. The Hermitage Museum is a must-see with 353 rooms filled with masterpieces by the likes of Michelangelo, Rembrandt, and Da Vinci. At Catherine Palace, step into the breathtaking Amber Room, painstakingly reconstructed after its mysterious disappearance in World War II. Peterhof, the town of palaces, rivals Versailles with its gilded fountains and sprawling parks. 

Anticipation grows as you approach Peter the Great’s magnificent city, golden domes glistening under the magical “White Nights” of summer. The Hermitage Museum is a must-see with 353 rooms filled with masterpieces by the likes of Michelangelo, Rembrandt, and Da Vinci. At Catherine Palace, step into the breathtaking Amber Room, painstakingly reconstructed after its mysterious disappearance in World War II. Peterhof, the town of palaces, rivals Versailles with its gilded fountains and sprawling parks. 

Art Nouveau buildings, museums, timeless restaurants, and charming cafés are sprinkled throughout the harbor dominating this maritime city. Discover reminders of the early czars’ influence at the Russian Orthodox Cathedral and the fortress on Suomenlinna Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Shop along Market Square and in Aleksanterinkatu. And don’t miss a chance to enjoy a cocktail at the breathtaking Hotel Kämp.

Celebrate the colorful center of this isolated archipelago as you join other gleaming boats in a postcard-perfect marina. Halfway between Sweden and Finland, this is the only part of Finland that speaks Swedish. Wander down the nearby Esplanade, an avenue of stately trees stretching from harbor to harbor. Explore the city's shipbuilding history at the Aland Maritime Museum. You'll feel at home here - Mariehamn was the home of the designer of our beautiful Windstar sailing ships.

Experience your own private Stockholm as you explore the interlacing canals and 14 tiny islands that surround this magical city. Renowned for its progressive nature, Stockholm offers avant-garde design, and trendy fashions. Visit the UNESCO sites of Frottningholm and Skogskykogarden, and the Södermalm neighborhood to discover charming old homes and picturesque main streets lined with unique shops, art galleries, and entertaining nightclubs.